Annabeth was nervous. First swim lesson for James at three years old. Of course she wasn't expecting James to be an Olympic swimmer but he had to know basic swim safety and it was good mommy and James time.

"Mommy! Lets go swimming!" James squealed as he ran to her in his swim trunks.

"Okay, okay. We'll leave in a minute." She smiled as she grabbed towels.

Being a single mom was hard for her. She worked eight hours a day at her job and always came home tired. But she pushed through it and made dinner for her and her son. And she had to pay off her rent, bills, and the daycare she sent James to during the day.

"Ready to go swimming?" She asked once she was ready.

He nodded excitedly. "Yes!"

She took his hand and they left the apartment.

James was jumping over the cracks in the sidewalk as they walked to the YMCA where his private lesson would be held.

They went into the locker room and Annabeth helped him take off his shirt and shoes.
She also took off her shirt and pants, since she had to be in the water with him for extra supervision.

"Come on mommy!" James was getting anxious.

Annabeth clicked the lock shut on the locker. "Okay, lets go."

She took his hand with her free hand as they walked into the pool area. It was hot and humid in there. And since it was eight in the morning, no one was there besides the instructor who was looking for something in the supply closet.

James let go of Annabeth's hand and headed to the water.

"James, no!" She went over and scooped him up. "You can't go in the water yet."

He pouted.

Annabeth looked up and saw the instructor come over with a kick board, noodle, and some rings.

Looking at him, she instantly knew that he was a swimmer. His figure showed that. He had black hair and green eyes which reminded her of the ocean.

"You must be Mrs. Chase." He greeted. "I'm Percy, James' swim instructor."

"Actually, it's Miss Chase." She corrected.

"Oh, I'm sorry." He told her. His eyes went to James. "Hey buddy, ready to learn how to swim?"

James nodded eagerly.

"But first I need to tell you three very important things." Percy told him. "Are you ready to hear them?"

James nodded again.

"First," He held up on finger. "You never go into a pool without mommy or a life guard in the pool. Second," He held up another finger. "Always listen to the life guard while in the pool. Third," He held up a third finger. "Never run around the pool. Now, can you repeat what I just said?"

"No running. Listen to lifeguard. No going into the pool without mommy or a lifeguard." James recited back.

"Very good." He held out his hand for a high five and James returned it. "Let's get into the pool."

They walked into the pool by the steps.

Annabeth was smiling as Percy taught James basic pool safety; how to float, how to hold his breath under water, and they started kicking with a kick board and noodle.

Before they knew it, their hour was up.

"Good job today buddy." Percy gave him a high five.

James grinned as he held onto the side of the pool.

Percy looked at Annabeth. "He's better than some of the older kids I teach. He listens and pays attention. I'm really impressed. And I've never met a mom who is wiling to get into the pool with their child. Usually they just put their feet in the water."

"Well, I'm very hands on. Or well, trying to be hands off since you're the instructor." She turned a bit pink.

He chuckled. "I understand. But I do appreciate you trying."

"Thank you."

"Mommy, Percy, can I jump in?" James asked. "Please?"

Percy looked at him, who was still hanging onto the edge. "Sure bud. Two jumps and then it's time to go."

Annabeth lifted him out of the pool and placed him by the edge.

"You're going to jump to me." Percy told him. "Big jumps."

James grinned and jumped off the edge and into Percy's arms. "Again!"

Percy chuckled. "Okay. Last one and then it's time to go." He brought James to the edge.

James patiently waited for Percy to get into position before jumping into his arms again.

"What do you say to Percy?" Annabeth asked him.

"Thank you!" He giggled.

"You're welcome. I'll see you next week, alright?" Percy smiled.

He nodded.

Percy handed James back to Annabeth. "Next week same time?"

"Yeah, we'll be here." She smiled.